The System Has Failed by Megadeth

The System Has Failed is the tenth studio album released by American heavy metal band Megadeth, and the first album to be released following the band's re-establishment in 2004 after its disbandment in 2002. It was released on September 14, 2004. The "system" referred to in the album's title is "the American system and western civilization" which in Mustaine's opinion dictates what the world follows. Mustaine cites examples of such failure in America's educational system, which underpays its teachers, and its court system, which allows criminals to escape punishment. Production and marketing Originally intended to be a solo album by its author Dave Mustaine, the record was re-branded with the Megadeth name as a result of contractual obligations owed to Mustaine's record company EMI (Mustaine also admitted that, after listening to and playing the songs multiple times, he claimed "they were Megadeth songs, not solo songs"). In an effort to avoid the financial cost and interpersonal conflicts associated with re-assembling the band's original line-up, Mustaine hired session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Jimmy Sloas (bass) to perform on the record. In a surprising move, Mustaine also hired former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland to perform lead guitar on the album. Mustaine co-produced the record with Jeff Balding, who had previously engineered Cryptic Writings and Risk. Cover art The cover art by Mike Learn features Vic Rattlehead at a podium in front of the United States Supreme Court building selling a not-guilty verdict to George W. Bush. Saluting is Hillary Clinton, next to Bill Clinton. Behind Bush in line is Dick Cheney holding a briefcase labeled "plan B". Behind him is Condoleezza Rice and others. ℗ 2004 Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., a BMG Company